Chapter 87 – Reunion with Lily

He recorded Pangoro's training progress and some changes in its Energy Ball. Naturally, he didn't plan to stay here any longer and instead intended to continue searching for suitable opponents to battle with Mimikyu.

After all, he would only be spending one more day here.

Tomorrow, he was heading back to Poplar City to take the college entrance exam.

Once the exams were over, the national tournament would begin. By the time it ended, he'd be starting university too.

Thinking of this, Nathan couldn't help but shake his head, feeling a bit sentimental.

"Mimikyu, time to go find some opponents to battle," Nathan called out.

"Q~"

A flash of red light burst from the Poké Ball as Mimikyu took the initiative to come out, fluttering around Nathan.

Nathan gently patted Mimikyu's head, then looked into the distance, scanning for suitable opponents.

There were plenty of wild Pokémon groups on the prairie. These past few days, he and Mimikyu had been battling different groups every day, never repeating the same ones. Of course, none of these groups included Normal-type Pokémon.

"...So, which Pokémon should we challenge today?"

Nathan rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

"Q~"

Mimikyu cried out and sat on top of Nathan's head, pointing in a direction.

Nathan turned to look and his eyes immediately lit up.

"That's not a bad group at all."

In the distant sky, a flock of Flying-type Pokémon circled overhead, searching for prey.

Most of them were Vullaby's evolved form—Mandibuzz, a Dark and Flying type.

Although Dark types counter Ghost types, they were still better than Normal types when it came to training—at least Mimikyu could gain valuable experience in dealing with unfavorable matchups.

So, when he saw the Mandibuzz, Nathan didn't hesitate and headed over with Mimikyu.

These Mandibuzz weren't gentle Pokémon. With the word "vulture" in their name, it was easy to imagine their temperament. They only showed tenderness toward their pre-evolution, Vullaby.

So, as soon as Nathan got close, he didn't waste any time and ordered the attack.

"Mimikyu, Shadow Ball!"

"Q~!"

…

Another day slipped by quietly, like sand flowing through fingers.

The next morning.

Nathan woke from a deep sleep, unzipped his tent, and felt the cool morning breeze brush against his cheeks. He couldn't help but sigh, "Time to head back."

The autumn air was fresh, and the weather everywhere had started cooling down, making it feel pleasantly crisp.

In the blue-and-white sky, clouds drifted lazily. Beneath the vast sky lay a prairie filled with tall wild grass. The grass swayed in the wind, and even early in the morning, you could see Pokémon moving about, their cheerful cries echoing across the fields.

"The early bird gets the worm."

Looking at those Pokémon, Nathan chuckled softly. Waking up to such a scene lifted his spirits.

He stretched his body, the sound of joints cracking accompanying the movement. Rubbing his shoulder, he stepped out of the tent to freshen up and make breakfast for his Pokémon.

He didn't wake the sleeping Pokémon. After all, they were heading back to Poplar City today. The Pokémon had been training hard during this entire period—Volcarona included. It was the perfect time to give them a short break until the college entrance exams were over.

♪ "If only I had confidence when I was young~" ♪

His phone ringtone rang.

Picking it up, Nathan glanced at the caller ID, then answered with a grin. "Lily, calling me so early. Missed your dad already?"

"Get lost, you brat," came the exasperated voice of Lily on the other end. "The entrance exam is coming up and you're still not back?"

"Soon. I'm coming back today."

"What time? Do you want me to come pick you up?"

"Around 3 in the afternoon."

"Perfect. I'll come over to your place for dinner and we can have a battle too. I'll show you how strong I've become."

"Tsk..."

"What's that 'tsk' supposed to mean, huh?" she snapped.

"Oh, nothing. Just wondering whether I should go easy on you tonight—wouldn't want to traumatize you with a crushing defeat," Nathan teased.

"Hmph! I don't believe a word of that. Anyway, see you at 3. Bye!"

"Bye."

Hanging up, Nathan put away his phone and chuckled, then muttered to himself, "Before heading back, I should get her a gift from North City. After all, she's my 'kid.'"

…

After breakfast.

Nathan recalled his Pokémon into their Poké Balls. The tent and other gear were packed away, leaving only Flygon by his side.

"Flyy~"

Flygon nuzzled Nathan's cheek affectionately, even licking his face now and then.

Nathan sighed and gave its head a rub before climbing onto its back.

"Alright, little one. Let's head back to North City."

"Flyy ~!"

Flygon let out a cry, flapped its wings, and soared into the sky, quickly vanishing over the horizon.

…

Around noon, after lunch.

North City.

"How much is this?" Nathan asked in a jewelry shop, holding a mechanical starry-sky-themed watch. The watch was gorgeous, with an inner design that looked like a flowing galaxy. Around its face were the silhouettes of both Umbreon and Espeon, adding a touch of cuteness.

"This is a ladies' watch, eh? Buying it for your girlfriend? You've got good taste, kid," said the middle-aged shop owner, ready to heap on more compliments.

But Nathan narrowed his eyes and smiled.

"It's for my daughter."

"Cough, cough..."

The shopkeeper immediately choked on his words, awkwardly laughing.

"Haha, you kids and your jokes these days."

Daughter, huh? You don't even look older than my own daughter.

The man muttered to himself but still responded.

"This model is a brand-new release by Poké Ball Corporation. It's priced at 150,000 Pokécoins—no haggling."

"150,000? Alright. Wrap it up for me."

"You got it."

After paying, Nathan took the boxed watch, called a cab, and headed to the airport.

He passed time at the airport playing on his phone until boarding.

Watching the clouds pass by outside the airplane window, time flew by.

By 3 PM sharp, the plane landed smoothly at Poplar City Airport.

Wearing a sun hat and carrying his backpack, Nathan exited the terminal and immediately spotted a familiar figure—Lily.

After all, despite everything, her looks were undeniable. Her figure was also amazing. But perhaps due to the crowd, she was radiating a "don't talk to me" aura—like a cold and distant goddess—which only made her stand out more.

She was wearing light-blue jeans and a pink T-shirt that perfectly outlined her curves. Some boys nearby snuck glances her way, only to quickly look away when they realized she might notice.

As Nathan walked out, Lily also saw him. Her face lit up with a beautiful smile, and she walked over quickly.

"I've been waiting forever, you slowpoke!"

Although she was smiling, her words carried a playful complaint. Still, the joy in her heart was obvious—clearly happy to see him after so long.

"I didn't ask you to come early, did I?" Nathan rolled his eyes.

"Hmph, men." Lily crossed her arms, glaring. "I came all this way to pick you up and this is the thanks I get? Ungrateful jerk."

"Drama queen."

Nathan smirked and pulled out a pink gift box from his backpack, tossing it to her.

"Here. Take it."

"What is this?" she asked, blinking as she caught the box, momentarily stunned.

"A gift."

After a moment, he added, "Your birthday present."

Lily's eyes sparkled. She looked down and scoffed softly.

"I thought you'd forgotten, always running around everywhere."

She opened the box—and her eyes widened.

"It's so pretty!"

"Like it?" Nathan grinned smugly. "I spent a good while picking it out."

"Mm-hmm! I love it!"

She nodded eagerly, holding the watch in her hands, eyes full of affection.

After a long moment, she looked over at Nathan and said seriously, "You're such a thoughtful son."

Nathan froze.

Then he glared at her.

"I'm your dad!"

…

Back at home.

The place was empty.

His parents didn't know he was back yet—not surprising.

After putting his backpack down, Nathan called his mom, then turned to look at Lily.

"It's your birthday today. Not going home for dinner?"

"It's fine," Lily waved it off. "My mom and dad are out on a honeymoon, left me all alone."

She pouted, clearly annoyed by her parents' carefree attitude.

"Alright then."

Nathan nodded, not too surprised.

He knew her parents well enough—this kind of thing was typical. Besides, his family was familiar with Lily too. Even if she stayed over, it wouldn't be a big deal.

That said, it meant Nathan would have to sleep on the floor. His bed would go to Lily.

They used to sleep together as kids, but now that they were older, separate sleeping arrangements were a must.

"What now? Taking a shower?" Lily asked from the couch.

"Yeah. I'm all sweaty—time to clean up," Nathan replied with a nod.